AIS Gyro Interface 89-028: Installation Manual
AIS Gyro Interface 89-028: Installation Manual
Installation manual
1. Description
This interface is intended to convert signals from most gyro compass
installations into transmissions compatible with McMurdo AIS systems.
The preset settings convert from standard synchro format (any common voltage,
including 115/90 and 26/11.5 V 50-500 Hz) or from 1/6° stepper to $HEHDT
transmitted each second. Other input and output formats may be set during
configuration.
The interface is powered from the same supply as the AIS. The NMEA output
connects directly to any AIS SEN port.
2
2. Operation and alignment
2.1. Normal operation
Under normal conditions the Gyro Interface requires no attention.
If for any reason the alignment is lost, a flashing “A” will be displayed.
Use the keys “Dim/ +” and “Dim/ -” to adjust the displayed heading until it
corresponds with the actual heading as indicated by the ship’s gyro. Press “Set”
to enter this value and return to normal operation.
2.2. Setup
On power-up the unit does not have any alignment correction. Alignment
correction is also lost after a black-out (removal of power) or if invalid input
signals are encountered. If alignment correction is lost, the interface
automatically enters alignment mode with a flashing “A” preceding the displayed
heading value.
(The only exception to this is when operating in synchro 1:1 mode, when no
alignment correction is required; in this case, the unit operates correctly
whenever power is applied.)
Check that the displayed heading value increases for a starboard direction of
turn. If this is the case, the phase order of the signals is correct (although the
displayed heading may be wrong). If the phase order is wrong, remove any two
of the S1–S2–S3 connections and interchange them. Check again that the
displayed heading increases for a starboard turn.
Now use keys “Dim/ +” and “Dim/ -” to adjust the displayed heading until it
corresponds with the actual heading as indicated by the ship’s gyro. Press “Set”
to enter this value and return to normal operation.
3
3. Installation and set-up
3.1. AIS Connections
Power
The Gyro Interface is powered from the same nominal 24 V DC supply as the
AIS. This supply is connected to the terminals +24 V and 0 V of the internal
connector.
NMEA output
The NMEA output connects directly to an AIS SEN port. The SEN port should
be correctly terminated by switching in (or fitting, as appropriate) the terminating
(100 ohm) resistor. The twisted pair cable is connected to the NMEA OUTA and
NMEA OUTB terminals; the common connection is to the NMEA OUTC
terminal.
The screen of the cable should be connected to the cable gland of the Gyro
Interface. To make this connection, remove the outer insulation of the cable and
trim the exposed shield to approximately 5 mm, then push it down over the outer
insulation and push the shield until it connects to the contact fingers. The screen
should NOT be connected at the AIS end of the cable.
AIS Connections
24 VDC 24 VDC
0V 0V
Terminating resistor
Connect screen at
Gyro Interface gland
ONLY
AIS
Sensor port Gyro Interface
4
3.2. Gyro connections
The first operation is to determine the type of gyro. The gyro technical
specification should provide this information. If the gyro type is unknown,
Section 9 of this guide contains details on synchro and stepper characteristics,
and includes information on how to identify gyro types.
The Interface has preset values for a number of common gyro types:
Regardless of the type of gyro, S1, S2 and S3 are always connected to the
Interface. Synchro types have connections to R1 and R2 also.
Signals from a stepper MUST be either a voltage or ground; they must not “float”
(eg as from an open collector output). In most cases the connection to a voltage
is satisfactory, but frequently the “low” signal is open circuit. In such cases,
either connect another instrument (eg a repeater) in parallel with the gyro, or fit
10 kohm resistors between each phase and the fourth wire from the gyro as
shown.
5
Gyro Connections
Connect for
synchro only { R1
R2
R1
R2
S1 S1
S2 S2
S3 S3
These resistors may be
required
Gyro common
(4th wire)
3.3. Setup
In order to perform accurate conversion, the Interface has to be configured with
the parameters of the gyro.
Keys
“Set” Enters data or enters menu
“Exit” Exits data entry or menu
“Dim/ +” In heading display, Dim+, others increment menu or data
“Dim/ -“ In heading display, Dim-, others decrement menu or data
The interface is configured by default for a gyro of type Stepper, 180x, 1Hz
update rate; the NMEA output is set at 4800 baud, HDT, HE id. If this is correct,
no configuration is necessary. Otherwise, perform these steps:
6
2. If the gyro is a synchro type:
• Press “Dim/ +” and “Dim/ -“ keys until “4” is shown.
• Press “Set”, display shows “4.1”
• Press “Set”, display shows “11V”.
• Display shows 4.1; press “Dim/ +” and “Dim/ -“ keys until “4.2” is
shown and then press “Set”.
• Display shows a value of gearing; if this is the correct gearing,
press “Set” otherwise press “Dim/ +” and “Dim/ -“ keys until the
correct gearing (choice of 360x, 180x, 90x, 45x, 36x, 1x) is shown
and then press “Set”.
• Press “Exit”, display shows “4”
To exit from the Setup system, press “Exit” repeatedly. One press exits from
(eg) “5”, two presses exit from “5.1”, etc.
A full list of the parameters available is shown in section 8. Using the description
above, it should be possible to change any desired parameter (eg to change the
NMEA parameters, first make the display show “3”, then press “Set” to make the
display show “3.1”, press “Set” to display the baudrate, etc)
To use a preset:
• Press “Set”, display shows text.
• Press “Dim/ +” and “Dim/ -“ keys until “SEtuP” is shown.
• Press “Set”, display shows “1”
• Press “Dim/ +” and “Dim/ -“ keys until “6” is shown.
• Press “Set”, display shows “6.1”
• Press “Set”, display shows “DEF”
• Press “Dim/ +” and “Dim/ -“ keys until the correct preset (see the
table in section 8) is shown, then press “Set”.
• Press “Exit” twice
Once the Interface parameters have been set, the phasing of the connections
should be checked and the correct heading set. This process is described in
section 2.2
7
4. Block diagram
NMEA input
R1 Isolation
(not used)
Reference signal
isolation
R2
A/D, CPU
Flash Isolation RS485 driver
RAM
UART
S1
Isolated
S2 Synchro/stepper inputs 18-36V DC
power
(not isolated) power input
supply
S3
LED display
Controls
The internal electronics of the unit connects directly to inputs S1-S2-S3; all other
connections are isolated from this potential.
The power supply for the internal circuitry is isolated from the DC input.
The main NMEA RS485 output is fully compliant with IEC 61162-2. It is powered
from the DC input and thus is isolated from the internal supply. This output must
be connected only to fully isolated NMEA/IEC-compliant inputs, so resulting in
full isolation of input and output signals.
The design of the Interface ensures that any voltage on the communication
ports is totally isolated from the input circuitry and the internal electronics. In
particular, the gyro signals are isolated from all other connections, so preserving
the integrity of the heading information.
5. Maximum Ratings
Maximum supply voltage 36 V DC
Isolation voltage 1 kV
8
6. Technical data
6.1. Mechanical
9
6.2. Inputs
6.3. Performance
6.5. Environmental
Requirements: Unit complies with all environmental requirements as
defined by IEC 60945.
6.8. Disclaimer
All data in this specification are preliminary and may change without prior notice.
It should be noted that this unit, as any other electronic device, may malfunction
and that it should be used in safety-critical applications with care.
We will not in any case assume any responsibility, other than replacement under
warranty, for anything caused by such malfunction.
11
7. Specification
Maximum Ratings
Supply voltage 36 V DC
Input voltage
S1, S2, S3 inputs 90 V AC, 120 V DC
Reference signal 120 V
Isolation voltage 1 kV
Power
Power requirement: 18 – 36V DC, less than 5W
Mechanical
Dimensions: Box (without mounting flanges and cable glands) 140 x
82 x 36 mm
Mounting: Front panel mounting in 145 x 82 mm panel opening
Mounting centres: 158 x 52mm, 6 mm holes (flanges facing outwards)
Weight: 320 g
12
8. Menu Parameter Groups
1 Product data, Read only.
1.1 Product, e.g. 9027
1.2 Product rev, e.g. C0
1.3 Production year
1.4 Production month & day
1.5 Serial number
1.6 Boot
1.7 Boot version
1.8 Application
1.9 Application version
1.10 Application download year
1.11 Application download month & day
1.12 Runtime limit, if active
2 Main mode
2.1 Main mode [synchro | stepper]
2.2 Log level [none | debug | info | disturbance |
recoverable]
3 NMEA
3.1 Baudrate [1200 | 2400 | 4800 | 9600 | 19200 | 38400 |
57600]
3.2 Power on message [off | on]
3.3 ROT message [off | HE | TI | II]
3.4 Heading update rate [1 | 2 | 5 |10 |20 | 30] times/sec
3.5 Heading sentence [HDT| HDG | THD]
3.6 Heading talker id [HE | II]
3.7 Transmit checksum [off | on]
4 Synchro
4.1 Input range [11V | 90V]
4.2 Gear ratio [360x | 180x | 90x | 45x | 36x | 1x]
4.3 Reference frequency [DC | AC/20-1000 Hz | 50-60 Hz |
400-600 Hz]
5 Stepper
5.1 Gear ratio [360x | 180x | 90x | 45x | 36x]
6 Preset
6.1 Preset values [off | default | sync-1 | sync-2 | sync-3 | sync-4 ]
13
Choosing one of the preset values will affect other settings under sections 2, 3,
4 and 5 above according to the table below (in other words, the presets
overwrite parameters set previously):
When the unit is first powered, the Default preset is applied, thus the initial
settings are: Stepper, 180x, 1Hz update rate, 4800 baud, HDT, HE id.
14
9. Gyro output formats and connection to signals
9.1. Synchro
In the synchro format, the angular value is transmitted using a rotating
transformer with three static windings, spaced 120º. The diagram shows the
amplitude variations between the stator windings as a function of the rotor
angle. Note that this diagram does NOT imply that there is a phase shift
between the signals.
S1
S2
S3
1 23 45 67 89 111 133 155 177 199 221 243 265 287 309 331 353 Rotor angle, degrees
The three static windings carry signals induced from the rotor, thus all signals
are in phase with the reference; the voltage ratios between the stator windings
define unambiguously the angular position of the rotor, thus for a 1:1 gyro where
the rotor is mechanically connected to the gyro sensor these signals directly
represent the heading shown by the gyro.
“Geared” systems, in which the synchro rotates several revolutions for a full
360° turn of the ship, provide higher resolution but the unambiguity of the 1:1
system is lost, consequently the interface must be set initially to the correct
heading. (This is analogous to keeping track of time using a clock with only a
minute hand, which requires that the initial time is known.)
15
9.2. Stepper
S1
S2
S3 Diagram of
stepper output
0 60 120 180 240 300 360 signals
In the stepper format, each of the three phase signals can only assume one of
two states, nominally on and off, thus each revolution of the stepper is only
resolved into six sectors, each 60º, as shown above. Consequently, stepper
systems are always geared; the most common system is the six steps per
degree format, where each degree is subdivided into six sectors.
If the gyro information is not available, then it will be necessary to identify the
type of output and the wires carrying the various signals.
If the connection consists of five wires and two of these carry a constant
(not affected by the ship turning) AC voltage of between 26 V and 115 V at
400 or 50/60 Hz, the signal is of the synchro type and the signal pair thus
localised is the reference signal, which should be connected to the R1-R2
inputs. Polarity may be ignored; wrong connection produces a 180° error that is
removed during alignment.
Connect the other three signals to S1-S2-S3, again observing that getting the
signals wrong would cause an angular error and/or the wrong direction of
turning.
Connect these three wires to S1-S2-S3. The fourth wire is normally not required.
16
Note: The signals from the stepper MUST carry either a
S1
voltage or ground; they must not “float” (eg as from an open
collector output). In most cases the connection to a voltage S2
is satisfactory, but frequently the “low” signal is open circuit.
S3
In such cases, either connect another instrument (eg a
repeater) in parallel with the gyro, or fit 10 kohm resistors Common
between each phase and the fourth wire from the gyro as
shown. (The value of 10 kohm is arbitrary; with low voltage systems it may be
better to use 3.3 kohm.)
NOTE: All connections and phasing are checked and where necessary
corrected during alignment (Section 5).
17
10. Appendix: Fault Finding Indications
LED status indicators
At the upper left of the Interface is a window through which four status LEDs
may be viewed. Top to bottom, these are designated L0, L1, L2 and L3.
The table shows how the status is decoded. Only defined states are shown.
L0 L1 L2 L3 Status
Normal indications
On X X Blink Normal operation, stepper mode
Off On X Blink Normal operation, synchro mode, 90V
Off Off X Blink Normal operation, synchro mode, 11V
Error Indications
0 Off Off Off On NMEA messages discarded due to high serial load
1 On Off Off On Synchro/stepper input values are incorrect
2 Off On Off On Synchro reference input is incorrect
3 On On Off On Synchro/stepper is not aligned
4 Off Off On On Run time limit
5 On Off On On Internal queue full
6 Off On On On E2 file system error
Error codes 4,5 and 6 are fatal errors. System stops until reset by removing the
power.
18
11. Appendix: Test Mode
The unit has a special test mode which can be useful in diagnosing problems
during installation, and in verifying correct sentence reception.
Test mode
Pressing “Set” will enter submenus, which can be used to check input voltages
etc.
“Ref”
Press “Set” from this submenu to display the frequency (Hz) of the
synchro reference voltage as connected to R1-R2.
“Exit” returns to “Ref” submenu.
“Step”
This function only works with stepper inputs. Press “Set” from this
submenu to display “X X X”, where the three characters represents the
polarity of the three inputs S1-S2-S3, expressed as “L” or “H”.
“Exit” returns to “Step” submenu.
Play mode
This mode is useful for testing installations. The unit simulates a pre-
programmed sequence of turns and repeats this until stopped.
WARNING: Play mode only operates when the unit is set to Synchro 1:1 mode.
It is consequently necessary to enter this mode before selecting “Play” and it is
equally essential that the correct settings are restored for normal use.
Press “Set” to display “no”; change this to “Yes” by pressing the “+”
key. Now press “Set” to start the automatic playback, which displays “P
XXX.X” with a blinking “P”.
“Exit” returns to “Play” submenu.
19
12. Declaration of Conformity
20
21
This page contains no other data
22
13. McMurdo Limited Product Warranty
Subject to the provisions set out below McMurdo Limited warrants that this product will be
free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 24 months from the date of
purchase.
McMurdo Limited will not be liable to the buyer under the above warranty:-
for any defect arising from fair wear and tear, wilful damage, negligence, abnormal
working conditions, failure to follow McMurdo Limited's instructions (whether oral or in
writing) including a failure to install properly and/or to use batteries recommended and/or
supplied by McMurdo Limited, misuse or alterations or repair of the product by persons
other than McMurdo Limited or an Approved Service Agent;
for parts, materials or equipment not manufactured by McMurdo Limited in respect of
which the buyer shall only be entitled to the benefit of any warranty or guarantee given by
the manufacturer to McMurdo Limited;
for the battery storage life which is specifically excluded from this warranty;
if the total price for the product has not been paid.
McMurdo Limited does not make any other promises or warranties (express, implied or
statutory) about the product except where the product is sold to a consumer in which case
the statutory rights of a consumer are not to be affected.
In order to be valid, claims must be made under the above warranty in writing as soon as
practicable after discovery of the defect or failure and within the warranty period referred
to above. Proof of purchase will be required. The claim should be sent together with the
product in question to the address set out below or to an Approved Service Agent.
Following a valid warranty claim McMurdo Limited shall be entitled to repair or replace the
product (or part) in question free of charge, or at McMurdo Limited's sole discretion to
refund to the buyer the price of the product (or a proportional part of the price). McMurdo
Limited shall not be liable to a buyer who is not a consumer for any other loss or damage
(whether indirect, special or consequential loss of profit or otherwise) costs, expenses or
other claims for compensation which arise out of or in connection with this product. In the
case of a consumer McMurdo Limited shall only be liable where other loss or damage is
foreseeable.
Nothing shall limit McMurdo Limited's liability for death or personal injury caused by its
negligence.
All enquiries relating to this warranty or Approved Service Agents should be sent to:
McMurdo Limited
Silver Point, Airport Service Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO3 5PB UK
Telephone: Int + 44 (0) 23 9262 3900 Fax: Int + 44 (0) 23 9262 3998
Web: www.mcmurdo.co.uk Email: [email protected]
23
McMurdo Limited
Silver Point
Airport Service Road
Portsmouth
PO3 5PB
United Kingdom
+44 (0)23 9262 3900
www.mcmurdo.co.uk
89-080 Iss2